Nominate a young star for an award

Now the big event has gone, the hockey press, in association with sponsors of the Hockey Writers’ Club Higgins Group plc, are looking for our stars of the future ... Could you be one of them, or do you know somebody who deserves to be nominated?

We are calling on all clubs, schools, teachers and players to put forward the names of any 18-and-Under or 16-and-Under boys and girls who deserve to be recognised for their efforts in meeting the challenges of our wonderful sport.

There are no medals for guessing who should be at our awards event in January, supported by the Higgins Group plc, but we hope you can take part in our event by submitting nominations including their name, address and parents’ contact telephone numbers to Peter Luck, 36 Whitmore Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 4AD or email: p.luck123@btinternet.com

Our panel of judges will declare the winners early in the New Year. The Higgins Youth Award for the 18-and-Under group is now in its eighth year while the Higgins Junior Award was introduced for the first time last year aimed at the 16-and-Under whom we felt needed extra encouragement as they always seemed to be passed over for a player with a better c.v. from the higher age group. Recent winners have included Harry Martin, now of Beeston (formerly Old Loughtonians) and a player for GB in the recent Olympics, goalkeeper Maddie Hinch who has become an England and GB international, and Dan Barstow in 2006.

The awards are open to girls and boys in both age groups with the object of giving encouragement for an individual to progress from the 16-and-Under group to the 18-and under group and including those who have taken the path of umpiring as well, and for players to move onward to becoming full internationals. The full criteria for each award are included below.

Nominations should be submitted on A4 paper by post or by email and contain the following: - Full name and contact details – date of birth - name of school – name of club – hockey history – achievements – involvement in club/school and, if possible, a picture.

CRITERIA FOR HIGGINS YOUTH AND JUNIOR AWARDS

HIGGINS YOUTH AWARDThe Award is available to any boy or girl involved in hockey, who is 18 or under at the 31st December of the 'Year of the Award', who is most likely to progress to gaining full international honours as player, umpire or coach.

The Higgins Selection Committee considers not only ability and skill but also seeks those who contribute to the activities of his/her club/school by coaching, encouraging juniors, and contributing to the welfare of fellow team members. Nominations are invited from any affiliated Club/School/University/Official Body of the England Hockey or HWC Member.

HIGGINS JUNIOR AWARDThe Award is available to any boy or girl involved in hockey, who is 16 or under at the 31st December of the 'Year of the Award', who has outstanding talent and skill, who is expected to progress to further honours in the game. The Higgins Selection Committee is seeking exceptional young players, coaches, umpires or volunteers who, in spite of their youth, show outstanding promise, initiative and ability. Nominations are invited from any affiliated Club/School/University/Official Body of the England Hockey or HWC Member.